Teams march towards post-season
Horsham’s ominous march towards Wimmera Netball Association finals continued with a thrashing of Nhill at the weekend but Minyip-murtoa remains atop the ladder with two games to play.
The Demons were in top form against the Tigers, nearly holding their opponents to single figures for the game.
Emma Buwalda and Romi Miller combined for 75 goals – Buwalda providing 58 of them in another outstanding display – while Georgia Hiscock provided smothering coverage of several Nhill opponents at goal defence.
Lauren Tink was the only Tiger to make much of an impact, spending time at both wing positions.
The game boosted the Demons’ association-best percentage to 177.76, but Horsham still trails top side Minyip-murtoa by one game.
The Burras took care of business against Warrack Eagles on Saturday, getting going after leading by just a goal at half time to win 47-37 at home.
Big games from Kirby Knight in attack and Taylor Mentha in defence were the catalyst for the win, which put a big dent in the Eagles’ hopes of a top three finish.
The Eagles, who were led by co-coach Sarah Spicer at centre and young goal shooter Molly Stewart, have a bye this weekend but must defeat Horsham in the final round of the season to have any chance of overtaking third-placed Ararat.
The Rats played a home game against Stawell at the weekend, outscoring their opponents after a neck-and-neck first quarter to win 47-31.
Monique Scott played a key role for the Rats at wing defence, while wing attack Tayla Borelli also shone.
Krystal Fisher and Mason Taylor helped nullify Warrior Ebony Summers, with Mason also moving forward to goal shooter in the second half and recording 17 goals.
The final game of the round saw Dimboola hosting Southern Mallee Giants.
While both sides have been competitive this season, neither is ultimately finals-bound.
The Roos pulled away after a close first half to win 67-59, with goalies Billie-jo Barber, 27 goals, and Nicole Polycarpou, 40, leading the way.
Steph Thomson, 29 goals, and Kiana Marshman, 30, did their best to keep the Giants in touch at the other end of the court.
Horsham Saints look likely to be the wildcard in the pack once again this season after coming from fifth to win the past two premierships.
The Saints will return from a bye to take on the Giants this week, and could finish as high as third if results go their way in the final two rounds.
Ararat’s battle to hold onto third spot starts at Horsham City Oval on Saturday in what will be a tough match-up for the Rats.
Minyip-murtoa will be at home against Nhill, while Stawell will take on Dimboola in a game between teams eliminated from finals contention.